Kodachrome by Paul Simon
When I think back
On all the crap I learned in high school
It's a wonder
I can think at all
And though my lack of edu---cation
Hasn't hurt me none
I can read the writing on the wall
Kodachrome
They give us those nice bright colors
They give us the greens of summers
Makes you think all the world's a sunny day, Oh yeah
I got a Nikon camera
I love to take a photograph
So mama don't take my Kodachrome away
If you took all the girls I knew
When I was single
And brought them all together for one night
I know they'd never match
my sweet imagination
everything looks WORSE in black and white
Mama don't take my Kodachrome away
Mama don't take my Kodachrome away
Mama don't take my Kodachrome away...
Keep smiling,
~Cath
September 3, 2010
September 2, 2010
At Home With Julia Stainton
One of the favourite places in my home is the kitchen. The old saying that the kitchen is the heart of the home is definitely true in our case. For the past eleven years, my husband has been lovingly renovating our century home to meet our growing family’s needs. I love the new eating area to our kitchen and one little corner of it I’ve made into my own.Last autumn I was looking for some new creative outlets and came across an old beat up dresser with some beautiful appliqué details. I fell in love, brought it home, sanded and painted it and turned it into a sideboard of sorts.
It now sits in our eating area as a display and storage piece. On top sits a pieced table runner that I stitched up, and a variety of items that I love. The orchid reminds me of my mother and blooms most of the year. I also love birds and tuck a few in here and there. An attitude of gratitude is a theme we stress in our lives and a little Scrabble tray reminds us how blessed we are. There really isn’t any rhyme or reason to what I place there. It changes with the season but I do love combining a variety of sizes and I love combining different textures to make a unique arrangement.
In creating this card I realized that I often design paper crafting projects the way I put my home together. A mix of old and new with lots of texture and elements that are comfortable and well loved. With this sideboard as inspiration I’ve pulled quite a few of the pieces into this card design.
The black card base and accents were inspired by the sideboard itself. The appliqué detail is recreated by painting a Pink Paislee Artisan Element with black paint.
You’ll notice the bird motif transferred into the card by way of some sweet Jenni Bowlin patterned paper.
The table runner inspired the machine stitching touches and I’ve created a rolled flower with fabric scraps from the original project.
You will notice the title is made up of little blocks of letters. The Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type letters remind me of the Scrabble tiles and I’ve kept with the thankful theme. To get that well-worn and loved look, I’ve also sanded the edges of the papers.
Supplies:
Cardstock – Bazzill(Black), Patterned Paper – Pink Paislee (Queen Bee 6x6 paper pad), Jenni Bowlin (Vintage Black Line Mini Papers), Paint – Ranger(Black Paint Dabber), Embellishments – Westrim Crafts(twine), Prima Marketing (leaves & pearl stickers), Pink Paislee (Artisan Elements), Advantus (Heidi Swapp Jet Chandelier Crystals)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I'd like to thank Julia for sharing a piece of her heart with us today. Friends, be sure and leave Julia some love before you go on your way with your day--I'm sure she'd just love for you to say "hello"!
Feeling right at home with Julia,
~Cath
Feeling right at home with Julia,
~Cath
September 1, 2010
Ask Around: Tim Holtz
I know, I know, I know! Tim Holtz is in the house, friends!
Try and get a hold of yourselves, now. No fainting in the wings, there. Wait! Wait! He's almost here...
But first, an introduction. It is my great pleasure to bring you this interview today, friends. As a long-time admirer of Mr. Holtz, I am thrilled that he is able to spend some time with us to talk about trends and how they influence his creative process.
When I think of Tim, the word "inspiring" merely scratches the surface. In the five years that I have been a part of this industry, I have been in utter and complete awe of the creativity and innovation that he has brought to our craft. As a virtuoso in the realm of altered art, Tim writes choruses with stamps and ink, operas with metal and baubles, and symphonies with Grunge Board and embossing folders.
And if that weren't enough, he's just the nicest guy you could ever meet. Join me in welcoming Tim to the Moxie Fab World. Read and be inspired...
Tim Holtz is the Creative Director for Ranger Industries, one of the leading manufacturers of innovative inks, paints and embossing products. Tim plays an integral part in the development and design of cutting-edge papercrafting products. Tim has teamed up with various key companies like Advantus, Tonic Studios, Stampers Anonymous and Sizzix to bring unique products that work hand in hand with Ranger's extensive lines.
As a well-known designer, Tim travels across the country and internationally to educate and introduce people to his world of ink techniques, clever projects, and so much more.
His book, A Compendium of Curiosities is filled with creative and inspiring ideas for beginner paper crafters and beyond. He truly lives his motto that "!n a world where the moments of our lives can be captured and created in art of the everyday, it's important it reflects our own unique personality. Finding just the right objects, accents, and tools to use are most important. Whatever your artistic vision is, exploring the imaginative is a chance for our creativity to escape understanding. Remember life isn't about finding yourself – life is about creating yourself ..."
Take it away, Tim...
Is trend-watching important to your creativity? Why or why not? If so, how does trend-watching manifest itself in your work?
i definitely think that trends are important to creativity however for me i find them more of a challenge of sorts. i challenge myself to think outside the box - put my spin on things. it can start as a simple item, color, design element, or texture and from there...look out! we are limited only to our imagination...
Where do you find trends?
trends can be found in the obvious of places like magazines, trendy stores, and of course television. they can also be found however, in the most obscure places like out of the way shops, flea markets, random websites, and my favorite - everyday life. basically to me, a trend is what I see, what I’M drawn to, what I are inspired by. at the end of the day WE all determine trends...
What websites, blogs, magazines, ads, etc. are the most inspirational to you in terms of trend-watching? Why do they motivate you?
i confess...i am addicted to etsy. seriously, how can one not be? a place that with the simple click of a button you can browse everything from art, to jewelry, to couture, to enough vintage treasures to recreate history. i love etsy. i also love magazines that inspire with variety like real simple. websites like color-collective and junkcamp are filled with various looks and styles. you can say i’m really inspired by things that are different...
Without giving anything away that you are working on, what trend(s) are you currently watching?
i love this urban trend of shabby vintage meets industrial grunge. the mix of softer/muted colors with a flair of rustic hardware, metals and machinery. the fact that these two very different styles have come together only shows that style has no boundaries...
What advice can you give to paper crafters who are interested in incorporating more trends into their projects?
my advice? be inspired by trends, but don’t be afraid to set your own...
In your opinion, what paper crafting techniques are trendy right now and why do you think they are appealing?
you’re asking a guy who’s life revolves around ink and distressing. lucky for me the vintage style is still a popular trend - a timeless one i hope. it’s great to see more crafters working with inks and paints to alter their own creations. incorporating more shabby elements is also a popular trend - glass glitter, trims, pearls, and florals are a great addition to the nostalgic trend...
In your opinion, what paper crafting products are trendy right now and why do you think they are appealing?
product wise i don’t think inks are a trend, yet many crafters are using inks in their work for the first time. quite possibly it is? like i said, trends are set by us all. collaging seems to be a hot trend right now. sure it’s been around forever, but it’s great to see more and more people abandoning the rules and embracing their artistic imperfections - collage thrives on that...
What is your favorite medium in which to work and why does it appeal to you? Has that changed over time? Why or why not?
ink for sure. simply because it can be adapted to any look, theme, style, or project. the versatility and techniques achieved with inks are unlike any other medium i’ve worked with so i’ve yet to stray from them...
What is your favorite part about your job as… (fill in the blank)…and why? What is your least favorite part about your job as…(fill in the blank)…and why?
that would be a lot of (filling in the blanks) for me since i seem to wear so many hats in my job. i am a full-time employee as creative director for ranger who i started with 8 years ago when i began my creative journey in this industry. i started off as their senior educator where my job was to travel around the world to teach people how to work with ranger’s innovative product lines. within my first year i became a signature designer for ranger with the launch of distress ink followed by several other signature products with them. then as time went on ranger allowed me to design for other companies whose products would compliment theirs. i’ve developed brands with advantus (tim holtz idea-ology), stampers anonymous (tim holtz collection stamps), tonic (tim holtz by tonic), and most recently sizzix (tim holtz alterations). the ability to design and develop products in all of these areas is so incredibly challenging, fulfilling, and inspiring. then of course there is tim holtz the crafter who simply loves time in my studio to play, create, and try new things. now seriously, how could i possibly chose a favorite? i love it all - it makes me...well, me...
Name some doors that have opened to you as a result of being connected to the scrapbooking industry and what that has meant to you.
opportunities are certainly everywhere. most often in the places you would least expect them. i started out working in my local ben franklin craft store as a merchandiser. true story was i got a job there to get away from “people” can you believe that? after spending 10+ years in the restaurant business i had had my fill. of course working at a craft store is quite different for a guy - we’re almost invisible there. great job! then my manager sent me to a rubber stamp class to learn about “it” to create a department for our store. of course i had no interest but ended up going after all and was hooked ever since. my teacher judy ross (who currently own her own stamp store) was my muse and lit the fire in my creative spirit that was unlike anything i could have ever imagined. i later attended the cha trade shows where i was exposed to so many great companies - ranger included. after 4 years of attending the shows, ranger asked if i would demo at their next trade show which i did of course. two weeks later they offered me a full-time job with them and the rest as they say, is history. so you see sometimes doors can be opened in places where you thought there were no doors...
Which retail stores tend to get your trendy juices flowing?
i like buckle for cool graphics and textures, anthropologie for their ability to mix vintage elements with current styles, urban outfitters for their eclectic mix of everything, but for me - a good old trip to a flea market or my local antique store does it every time...
Grateful for Tim,
~Cath
PS In case you missed it, this week's Moxie Monday features new Tim Holtz Idea-ology products. Click here to comment-to-win!
Try and get a hold of yourselves, now. No fainting in the wings, there. Wait! Wait! He's almost here...
But first, an introduction. It is my great pleasure to bring you this interview today, friends. As a long-time admirer of Mr. Holtz, I am thrilled that he is able to spend some time with us to talk about trends and how they influence his creative process.
When I think of Tim, the word "inspiring" merely scratches the surface. In the five years that I have been a part of this industry, I have been in utter and complete awe of the creativity and innovation that he has brought to our craft. As a virtuoso in the realm of altered art, Tim writes choruses with stamps and ink, operas with metal and baubles, and symphonies with Grunge Board and embossing folders.
And if that weren't enough, he's just the nicest guy you could ever meet. Join me in welcoming Tim to the Moxie Fab World. Read and be inspired...
Tim Holtz is the Creative Director for Ranger Industries, one of the leading manufacturers of innovative inks, paints and embossing products. Tim plays an integral part in the development and design of cutting-edge papercrafting products. Tim has teamed up with various key companies like Advantus, Tonic Studios, Stampers Anonymous and Sizzix to bring unique products that work hand in hand with Ranger's extensive lines.As a well-known designer, Tim travels across the country and internationally to educate and introduce people to his world of ink techniques, clever projects, and so much more.
His book, A Compendium of Curiosities is filled with creative and inspiring ideas for beginner paper crafters and beyond. He truly lives his motto that "!n a world where the moments of our lives can be captured and created in art of the everyday, it's important it reflects our own unique personality. Finding just the right objects, accents, and tools to use are most important. Whatever your artistic vision is, exploring the imaginative is a chance for our creativity to escape understanding. Remember life isn't about finding yourself – life is about creating yourself ..."
Take it away, Tim...
Is trend-watching important to your creativity? Why or why not? If so, how does trend-watching manifest itself in your work?
i definitely think that trends are important to creativity however for me i find them more of a challenge of sorts. i challenge myself to think outside the box - put my spin on things. it can start as a simple item, color, design element, or texture and from there...look out! we are limited only to our imagination...
Where do you find trends?
trends can be found in the obvious of places like magazines, trendy stores, and of course television. they can also be found however, in the most obscure places like out of the way shops, flea markets, random websites, and my favorite - everyday life. basically to me, a trend is what I see, what I’M drawn to, what I are inspired by. at the end of the day WE all determine trends...
What websites, blogs, magazines, ads, etc. are the most inspirational to you in terms of trend-watching? Why do they motivate you?
i confess...i am addicted to etsy. seriously, how can one not be? a place that with the simple click of a button you can browse everything from art, to jewelry, to couture, to enough vintage treasures to recreate history. i love etsy. i also love magazines that inspire with variety like real simple. websites like color-collective and junkcamp are filled with various looks and styles. you can say i’m really inspired by things that are different...
Without giving anything away that you are working on, what trend(s) are you currently watching?
i love this urban trend of shabby vintage meets industrial grunge. the mix of softer/muted colors with a flair of rustic hardware, metals and machinery. the fact that these two very different styles have come together only shows that style has no boundaries...
What advice can you give to paper crafters who are interested in incorporating more trends into their projects?
my advice? be inspired by trends, but don’t be afraid to set your own...
In your opinion, what paper crafting techniques are trendy right now and why do you think they are appealing?
you’re asking a guy who’s life revolves around ink and distressing. lucky for me the vintage style is still a popular trend - a timeless one i hope. it’s great to see more crafters working with inks and paints to alter their own creations. incorporating more shabby elements is also a popular trend - glass glitter, trims, pearls, and florals are a great addition to the nostalgic trend...
In your opinion, what paper crafting products are trendy right now and why do you think they are appealing?
product wise i don’t think inks are a trend, yet many crafters are using inks in their work for the first time. quite possibly it is? like i said, trends are set by us all. collaging seems to be a hot trend right now. sure it’s been around forever, but it’s great to see more and more people abandoning the rules and embracing their artistic imperfections - collage thrives on that...
What is your favorite medium in which to work and why does it appeal to you? Has that changed over time? Why or why not?
ink for sure. simply because it can be adapted to any look, theme, style, or project. the versatility and techniques achieved with inks are unlike any other medium i’ve worked with so i’ve yet to stray from them...
What is your favorite part about your job as… (fill in the blank)…and why? What is your least favorite part about your job as…(fill in the blank)…and why?
that would be a lot of (filling in the blanks) for me since i seem to wear so many hats in my job. i am a full-time employee as creative director for ranger who i started with 8 years ago when i began my creative journey in this industry. i started off as their senior educator where my job was to travel around the world to teach people how to work with ranger’s innovative product lines. within my first year i became a signature designer for ranger with the launch of distress ink followed by several other signature products with them. then as time went on ranger allowed me to design for other companies whose products would compliment theirs. i’ve developed brands with advantus (tim holtz idea-ology), stampers anonymous (tim holtz collection stamps), tonic (tim holtz by tonic), and most recently sizzix (tim holtz alterations). the ability to design and develop products in all of these areas is so incredibly challenging, fulfilling, and inspiring. then of course there is tim holtz the crafter who simply loves time in my studio to play, create, and try new things. now seriously, how could i possibly chose a favorite? i love it all - it makes me...well, me...
Name some doors that have opened to you as a result of being connected to the scrapbooking industry and what that has meant to you.
opportunities are certainly everywhere. most often in the places you would least expect them. i started out working in my local ben franklin craft store as a merchandiser. true story was i got a job there to get away from “people” can you believe that? after spending 10+ years in the restaurant business i had had my fill. of course working at a craft store is quite different for a guy - we’re almost invisible there. great job! then my manager sent me to a rubber stamp class to learn about “it” to create a department for our store. of course i had no interest but ended up going after all and was hooked ever since. my teacher judy ross (who currently own her own stamp store) was my muse and lit the fire in my creative spirit that was unlike anything i could have ever imagined. i later attended the cha trade shows where i was exposed to so many great companies - ranger included. after 4 years of attending the shows, ranger asked if i would demo at their next trade show which i did of course. two weeks later they offered me a full-time job with them and the rest as they say, is history. so you see sometimes doors can be opened in places where you thought there were no doors...
Which retail stores tend to get your trendy juices flowing?
i like buckle for cool graphics and textures, anthropologie for their ability to mix vintage elements with current styles, urban outfitters for their eclectic mix of everything, but for me - a good old trip to a flea market or my local antique store does it every time...
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
In fact, Tim has autographed five copies of the September/October issue and I'd love to give them away! Just leave a comment by midnight MDT on Sunday, September 5 saying what inspired you most about today's interview and five lucky winners will be squealing sometime soon!I'd like to thank Tim for taking the time to answer my questions today. I'd also like to let all y'all know that you can get even more of Mr. Holtz's moxie fabulousness by turning to page 87 of the September/October issue of Paper Crafts magazine...
...where he's created three astounding tags with the Alterations Texture Fades Embossing Folders from Sizzix. Here's a little taste to whet your whistle:
...where he's created three astounding tags with the Alterations Texture Fades Embossing Folders from Sizzix. Here's a little taste to whet your whistle:
Grateful for Tim,
~Cath
PS In case you missed it, this week's Moxie Monday features new Tim Holtz Idea-ology products. Click here to comment-to-win!
August 31, 2010
Tuesday Trigger: Light & Bright Revisited
Don't forget, this Tuesday Trigger is the inspiration that keeps inspiring:
John Barman's Miami Home from Architectural Digest
John Barman's Miami Home from Architectural DigestMy good friend and colleague, Susan R. Opel, will be stopping by your blogs to select the Trigger Targets and the random lucky winner. Click HERE to get in on all the fun!
Be SURE and stop by tomorrow my moxie fab friends, for I've got a treat that you just wouldn't want to miss...pretty much not in a million years!
Toodles,
~Cath
Be SURE and stop by tomorrow my moxie fab friends, for I've got a treat that you just wouldn't want to miss...pretty much not in a million years!
Toodles,
~Cath
Winnerday!
Ready? Set! Scroll!
The winners of the Indie Girl collection from Sassafras Lass in last week's Moxie Monday are:
Bonnie who said...
The winners of the Indie Girl collection from Sassafras Lass in last week's Moxie Monday are:
Bonnie who said...
Right now I'm really into cards....I seem to make cards for everything lately (my granddaughter likes to help too)But I think I might try to "wall paper" a little shoebox house for my granddaughters little ponies and dolls also.
and Jamie who said...
I love this line!! It would be great for cards and layouts! I would really love to decorate my daughters room with the papers in this line!
The winner of the Collage Friend Stamp from Hero Arts in last week's Moxie Talk: Betsy Veldman & Botanical Collage post is:
Yvonne who said...
Love all the new botanical papers that are recently out! Your cards are wonderful.
And last but not least, the winner of the Pack Your Bags collection from Little Yellow Bicycle in last week's Five (x4) for Friday: The Road Less Traveled post is:
bellonjm07 who said...
To Nicole: Be free and soak up as much as you can in your new environment!
To Cath: Give some space, admire from afar, and stay as supportive as ever!
I'm inspired by the closeness of your relationship with your daughter; make sure to hold on to that! I love my mother so much - she is my friend and my rock.
Congratulations to these winners, and thanks to everyone who left comments last week!
Winners, please send me your addresses in an email to cedvalson@papercraftsmag.com with the prize/post you won in the subject line in order to claim your prizes. I will get back to you sometime after September 8.
I love Winnerday,
~Cath
August 30, 2010
Moxie Monday: Idea-ology from Tim Holtz
Raise your hand if you're a Tim Holtz fan.
I thought so. As you can see, my hand is way up as well.
Ever since I started this gig at Paper Crafts magazine five years ago I've been a fan of the master of altered art himself.
Not only have I always been in awe of the extraordinary talent with which he creates paper crafted projects of all types and varieties, but I've been truly amazed at the innovative products he's brought to our industry. From stamps to die cuts to inks to surfaces to tools to whatever else he's going to think up next, his new releases for Idea-ology are no exception. Check it:
Tissue Tape - Hobgoblin
Tissue Tape - Tidings
Mask - Seasonal
Lace Chain
Facets
Charm Clips
Baubles
Accoutrements - Fanciful
6x6 Grungebook
Trimmings - Lavish
Salvage Stickers - Seasonal
Salvage Stickers - Lost & Found
Paper Stash - Seasonal
Configurations
You likey? Leave me a comment by midnight MDT on Sunday, September 5 saying which of these moxie fab products you can't wait to get your hands on first and why and I'll draw two random winners to receive everything you see here in their mailboxes sometime soon!
Entering an "altered" state,
~Cath
PS If you liked this blog post, you're gonna go into an altered state of your own when you see what I've got up my sleeve for Wednesday! ;)
I thought so. As you can see, my hand is way up as well.
Ever since I started this gig at Paper Crafts magazine five years ago I've been a fan of the master of altered art himself.
Not only have I always been in awe of the extraordinary talent with which he creates paper crafted projects of all types and varieties, but I've been truly amazed at the innovative products he's brought to our industry. From stamps to die cuts to inks to surfaces to tools to whatever else he's going to think up next, his new releases for Idea-ology are no exception. Check it:
Tissue Tape - Hobgoblin
Tissue Tape - Tidings
Mask - Seasonal
Lace Chain
Facets
Charm Clips
Baubles
Accoutrements - Fanciful
6x6 Grungebook
Trimmings - Lavish
Salvage Stickers - Seasonal
Salvage Stickers - Lost & Found
Paper Stash - Seasonal
ConfigurationsYou likey? Leave me a comment by midnight MDT on Sunday, September 5 saying which of these moxie fab products you can't wait to get your hands on first and why and I'll draw two random winners to receive everything you see here in their mailboxes sometime soon!
Entering an "altered" state,
~Cath
PS If you liked this blog post, you're gonna go into an altered state of your own when you see what I've got up my sleeve for Wednesday! ;)
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